The Princess Royal is in hospital after suffering a head injury from a horse at her home in Gloucestershire yesterday.
Buckingham Palace described Princess Anne’s condition as stable, but she is not expected to be released from hospital until later this week.
The 73-year-old princess has been busy standing by her brother King Charles during his battle with cancer, but now she will have to cancel upcoming engagements including a trip to Canada later this week on the advice of her medical team.
The princess was walking in the grounds of Gatcombe Park, where she and her grandchildren regularly ride, when she was struck by a horse, causing her to suffer “minor” head injuries and a concussion, according to the palace.
Anne’s husband, Sir Tim Lawrence, and her two children, Peter, were visiting the family home at the time of the accident.
An air ambulance was called to the scene and treated the Princess, who was later transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol (accompanied by her husband, but not by air ambulance), where she is now undergoing observation. The palace said the princess is expected to remain in Southmead Hospital until she can return home.
The princess was expected to be present at the state visit to Japan tomorrow, but has been forced to postpone all upcoming engagements. A palace spokesman said: “Her Royal Highness sends her apologies to anyone who may feel upset or disappointed as a result.”
The aide added that the princess is “recovering well” and is in “comfortable condition.”
The princess’s last public appearance was at Royal Ascot, where she rode in the carriage procession alongside Lady Gabriella Windsor. She is an avid equestrian and former Olympian, and her love of horses is well known. In the King’s final birthday parade, Princess Anne rode on horseback in her role as Golden Cane.
Palace aides did not reveal details about how the princess was injured, but they said that the princess, known for her calm attitude, is expected to make a full and quick recovery.
